Zonguldak court begins trial of students accused of terrorist organization membership

The trial of four university students accused of membership in terrorist organizations has commenced in Zonguldak, Turkey. The defendants face charges of “membership in an armed terrorist organization” and “consecutive damage to public property” following an operation conducted on June 16 by the Zonguldak Provincial Police Department's Counter-Terrorism Branch.

The investigation, coordinated by the Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targeted activities related to the THKP-C, DEV-YOL, and Devrimci Hareket organizations. During the first hearing at the Zonguldak 2nd High Criminal Court, the defendants denied the allegations. One defendant argued that their activities were legal association work, while others cited youthful mistakes and good intentions.

Following the prosecutor's request to maintain the detention of the accused, the court issued several interim decisions. Defendant N. Ş. remains in custody, while B. N. T. and S. D. were released under judicial control with a ban on traveling abroad. The judicial control measures for defendant İ. K. were lifted. The court adjourned the case to complete the file and hear additional witnesses.